Chapter 3.91 WATER RATES, CHARGES

(1) The bimonthly water service charge for customers located within the service area of Washougal, according to classification established in this section, is as designated in subsection (10) of this section. The base charge is charged according to meter size as shown in Table 1 – Base Usage. Additional volume charges beyond the base usage are identified in Table 2 – Volume Charges.

(2) As the water, sewer and stormwater department billings are handled through the same office and billed on a common bill, all services will be billed on a bimonthly basis as herein provided for water collection. The right to bill accounts on a monthly basis is reserved and may be implemented without further council action. If monthly billing is requested by the customer, the finance director shall be authorized to add an administrative fee to cover the costs of additional processing and any additional meter readings requested.

(3) Water and sewer service provided to buildings under construction will be billed to the property owner commencing with the period when a water meter is installed.

(4) In the event that water bills are not paid by the last day of the month following billing, the customers failing to pay shall be assessed a late charge of $10.00 or 10 percent of the past due amount, whichever is greater. If the last day of the month falls on a weekend or holiday, the next business day following shall be treated as the last day of the month.

(5) If more than one classification of service is maintained in the same or adjoining quarters in one structure, and use the same service pipe, then the base rate shall be the total of all classifications of service. Any excess usage over the composite minimum shall be charged based on the largest meter classification.

(6) For clarification purposes, each separate housekeeping establishment is considered as one unit and individual business establishment occupying individual quarters and under one structure is considered one unit.

(7) In calculating the domestic water consumption, deductions shall be made in units of 100 cubic feet and in making such deductions the two right-hand digits of the meter reading shall not be considered.

(8) Should any meter fail to register correctly, or if a leak should be detected, the city may adjust the billing accordingly.

It is the property owner’s responsibility to fix the leak and the city will adjust up to two billing cycles affected by the corrected leak.

(9) The city will keep an accurate account on its books of the reading of meters, and such account, so kept, shall be offered at all times, places and courts as prima facie evidence of the use of water service by the customer and shall be the basis on which all bills are calculated.

(10) Bimonthly Metered Rates.

Table 1 – Base Usage – Inside City
Meter Size	Bimonthly Base Charge – Inside City
Meter Size	Effective 1/1/2024	Effective 1/1/2025	Effective 1/1/2026	Effective 1/1/2027	Effective 1/1/2028
3/4"	$42.03	$43.63	$45.28	$47.01	$48.79
1"	$48.00	$49.83	$51.72	$53.68	$55.73
1 1/2"	$79.89	$82.93	$86.07	$89.35	$92.75
2"	$117.15	$121.60	$126.23	$131.02	$136.00
3"	$245.58	$254.91	$264.60	$274.65	$285.09
4"	$370.70	$384.78	$399.41	$414.58	$430.34
6"	$621.64	$645.26	$669.78	$695.24	$721.65
8"	$1,037.12	$1,076.54	$1,117.45	$1,159.90	$1,203.98

Table 1 – Base Usage – Outside City
Meter Size	Bimonthly Base Charge – Outside City
Meter Size	Effective 1/1/2024	Effective 1/1/2025	Effective 1/1/2026	Effective 1/1/2027	Effective 1/1/2028
3/4"	$67.25	$69.81	$72.45	$75.22	$78.06
1"	$76.80	$79.73	$82.75	$85.89	$89.17
1 1/2"	$127.82	$132.69	$137.71	$142.96	$148.40
2"	$187.44	$194.56	$201.97	$209.63	$217.60
3"	$392.93	$407.86	$423.36	$439.44	$456.14
4"	$593.12	$615.65	$639.06	$663.33	$688.54
6"	$994.62	$1,032.42	$1,071.65	$1,112.38	$1,154.64
8"	$1,659.39	$1,722.46	$1,787.92	$1,855.84	$1,926.37

Table 2 – Volume Charges – Inside City
Customer Class	Volume Charge – Inside City
Customer Class	Effective 1/1/2024	Effective 1/1/2025	Effective 1/1/2026	Effective 1/1/2027	Effective 1/1/2028
Single-family
Block 1: 0 – 12 CCF	$2.33	$2.42	$2.51	$2.60	$2.70
Block 2: 12 – 30 CCF	$6.32	$6.55	$6.81	$7.06	$7.33
Block 3: Over 30 CCF	$7.92	$8.21	$8.52	$8.85	$9.17
Multifamily	$4.32	$4.41	$4.51	$4.62	$4.72
Commercial (all other uses than SF/MF)	$4.39	$4.61	$4.85	$5.09	$5.35
Large commercial (commercial users averaging > 5,000 CCF)	$2.78	$2.92	$3.06	$3.22	$3.38

Table 2 – Volume Charges – Outside City
Customer Class	Volume Charge – Outside City
	Effective 1/1/2024	Effective 1/1/2025	Effective 1/1/2026	Effective 1/1/2027	Effective 1/1/2028
Single-family
Block 1: 0 – 12 CCF	$3.73	$3.87	$4.02	$4.16	$4.32
Block 2: 12 – 30 CCF	$10.11	$10.48	$10.90	$11.30	$11.73
Block 3: Over 30 CCF	$12.67	$13.14	$13.63	$14.16	$14.67
Multifamily	$6.91	$7.06	$7.22	$7.39	$7.55
Commercial (all other uses than SF/MF)	$7.02	$7.38	$7.76	$8.14	$8.56
Large commercial (comm. > 5,000 CCF)	$4.45	$4.67	$4.90	$5.15	$5.41

(11) Temporary Hydrant Rental. Water may be temporarily withdrawn from a fire hydrant for temporary purposes, including, but not limited to, construction activities, testing, dust control and when a permanent connection is not available. Temporary withdrawal shall be limited in both time and quantity and shall not be done on a regular or recurring schedule, as determined by the director of public works. For uses other than temporary, a dedicated permanent connection shall be installed. To temporarily withdraw water from a fire hydrant, a water meter and inspection of the method of withdrawal are required. The following fees apply:

Meter deposit	$300.00
Installation fee	35.00
Monthly rental fee
Inside city	4.50
Outside city	6.75

The fee for the water used will be charged pursuant to Table 2 of subsection (10) of this section for volume charges for commercial uses.

Meter deposit fee will be refunded upon return of the meter in satisfactory condition.

(12) Other Temporary Water Use. Water for temporary use of limited duration and quantity to be dispensed to a truck or vessel may be purchased for a daily use fee of $50.00 per fill up. Standards for the purchase and dispensing of qualifying limited duration and quantity temporary water use shall be as determined by the public works director. Trucks and receiving vessels are subject to inspection to verify compliance with cross-connection control regulations to ensure the safety of the public water system.

(13) Date Range. If a date range for monthly service charge rates has expired, then the monthly service charge under this chapter shall remain at the latest established rate as shown in the rate table adopted under subsection (10) of this section, until such rate table is amended. (Ord. 1977 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1853 § 2 (Exh. A), 2018; Ord. 1797 § 1 (Exh. A), 2016; Ord. 1785 § 2 (Exh. A), 2015; Ord. 1748 § 1 (Exh. A), 2013; Ord. 1733 § 1 (Exh. A), 2013; Ord. 1731 § 1 (Exh. A), 2012; Ord. 1682 § 1, 2010; Ord. 1675 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 1647 § 1 (Exh. A), 2009; Ord. 1596 § 1 (Exh. A), 2007; Ord. 1578 § 1 (Exh. A), 2007; Ord. 1537 § 1, 2005; Ord. 1533 § 1, 2005; Ord. 1501 § 1, 2005; Ord. 1440 § 1, 2002; Ord. 1425 § 2 (Exh. A), 2001; Ord. 1412 § 1 (Exh. A), 2001; Ord. 1392 § 1 (Exh. A), 2000; Ord. 1346 § 1, 1999; Ord. 1344 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1328 § 1 (Exh. A), 1998; Ord. 1297 § 1 (Exh. A), 1998; Ord. 1274 § 1 (Exh. A), 1998; Ord. 1218 § 1, 1996; Ord. 1186 § 1, 1995; Ord. 1145 § 1, 1994; Ord. 1123 § 1 (Exh. A), 1993; Ord. 1104 § 1 (Exh. A), 1993; Ord. 1087 § 1 (Exh. A), 1992; Ord. 1059 § 1, 1991; Ord. 1018 § 1, 1990; Ord. 969 (Exh. A), 1989; Ord. 874 § 1, 1987; Ord. 853 § 1, 1985; Ord. 808 § 1, 1983; Ord. 752 § 1, 1980; Ord. 746 § 1, 1980; Ord. 739 § 1, 1980; Ord. 716 § 1, 1979; Ord. 673 § 1, 1978; Ord. 649 § 1, 1977; Ord. 533 § 1, 1974; Ord. 413 § 1, 1980; Ord. 240 Art. 5 § 1, 1958. Formerly 13.20.010)

3.91.015 Water bill due date.

All charges for water shall be due upon receipt and payable at City Hall following mailing of the water bills by the city. All payments and collections for domestic water service should be paid into the water revenue funds. (Ord. 1977 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1853 § 2 (Exh. A), 2018; Ord. 1533 § 1, 2005; Ord. 1412 § 1 (Exh. A), 2001; Ord. 1406 § 1, 2001. Formerly 13.20.015)

3.91.020 Unlisted services.

All other services for which a rate or charge is not specifically listed in WMC 3.91.010 shall be charged to the customer on the basis of time and material furnished plus administrative costs. (Ord. 1977 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1853 § 2 (Exh. A), 2018; Ord. 1533 § 1, 2005; Ord. 1140 § 1, 1994; Ord. 240 Art. 5 § 2, 1958. Formerly 13.20.020)

3.91.030 Unoccupied premises.

There shall be no credit for vacant or unoccupied premises as to domestic water service; provided, that in the following instances the regular charges may be amended as follows:

At the customer’s option, upon written notice to the director and turning off of domestic water service, charges for domestic water and sewer service shall cease until such time as the director has turned domestic water on again following notice by consumer to do so. (Ord. 1977 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1853 § 2 (Exh. A), 2018; Ord. 1533 § 1, 2005; Ord. 1344 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1140 § 1, 1994; Ord. 240 Art. 5 § 3, 1958. Formerly 13.20.030)

3.91.040 Turn-off – Turn-on.

A turn-off, turn-on charge of $20.00 shall be made for turning off the water during normal business hours and later turning the water on. If the service is turned off for the purpose of installing or repairing a shut-off valve on the premises the charge will be waived. An emergency turn-off, turn-on charge shall be made for services performed during other than normal working hours unless special arrangements are made. The charge for emergency service will include two hours of call back time at the overtime rate, plus the time worked and equipment used. This charge is to represent the actual costs to the city for the service provided. (Ord. 1977 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1853 § 2 (Exh. A), 2018; Ord. 1533 § 1, 2005; Ord. 1344 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1104 § 1 (Exh. A), 1993; Ord. 240 Art. 5 § 4, 1958. Formerly 13.20.040)

3.91.050 New connections.

In the case of all future new connections, the following connection and inspection charges shall be paid to the city by the person desiring to make such connections, which charges shall be payable at the time application is made for a permit to perform the work and make the connection:

Meter Installation:	Inside City	Outside City
Meter set only	Cost Recovery	Cost Recovery

(Ord. 1977 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1896 § 1 (Exh. A), 2019; Ord. 1853 § 2 (Exh. A), 2018; Ord. 1580 § 1 (Exh. A), 2007; Ord. 1533 § 1, 2005; Ord. 1518 § 1, 2005; Ord. 1276 § 1 (Exh. A), 1998; Ord. 1104 § 1 (Exh. A), 1993; Ord. 740 § 1, 1980; Ord. 536 § 1, 1975; Ord. 506 § 1, 1973; Ord. 392 § 1, 1969; Ord. 240 Art. 5 § 5, 1958. Formerly 13.20.050)

3.91.060 Connection to main – Costs.

Repealed by Ord. 1853. (Ord. 1533 § 1, 2005; Ord. 1344 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1104 § 1 (Exh. A), 1993; Ord. 816 § 1, 1983; Ord. 485 § 1, 1972; Ord. 240 Art. 5 § 6, 1958. Formerly 13.20.060)

3.91.061 Collection of excise taxes on water connection fees.

Excise taxes shall be charged on the amount of connection fees and collected from the customer at the current amount established by the State of Washington Department of Revenue. (Ord. 1977 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1853 § 2 (Exh. A), 2018; Ord. 1533 § 1, 2005; Ord. 1114, 1993. Formerly 13.20.061)

3.91.065 Latecomer charges for sewer or water main or lateral line extension.

When a sewer or water main or lateral line is extended in accordance with the city’s water and sewer plans and such cost is absorbed entirely by the property owner who has requested the hookup to city utilities, then future assessment for hookup to that line shall be paid to the original property owner until such time as the verified cost of extending the line has been repaid, or a period of 10 years has lapsed, whichever shall first occur. After that, all latecomer charges will accrue to the city. It is specifically understood that only area assessment and front footage charges shall be used in paying latecomer charges to such property owner.

If a property owner(s) is required to construct off-site utilities that benefit adjacent owners, a special latecomer’s agreement can be granted by the city council. The request for consideration of a special latecomer’s fee is to be filed with the public works department. The request should include a proposed area of assessment. Following the public works department review, the request will be forwarded to the city council for consideration.

Further, the charges to the original property owner who installed the line, i.e., the area assessment and front footage charge, shall also be subtracted from the cost of the original line when computing the amount of latecomer charges due. (Ord. 1977 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1853 § 2 (Exh. A), 2018; Ord. 1533 § 1, 2005; Ord. 1288 § 1 (Exh. A), 1998; Res. 280, 1980. Formerly 13.20.065)

3.91.070 Subject to change without notice.

Except for special contracts, which specify the length of time to which the contract rates shall be extended, all rates, rules and regulations are subject to change or modification by the city without notice. (Ord. 1977 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1853 § 2 (Exh. A), 2018; Ord. 1533 § 1, 2005; Ord. 240 Art. 5 § 7, 1958. Formerly 13.20.070)

3.91.080 Special contracts.

The city reserves the right to make special contracts, the provisions and conditions of which may be different from or have exceptions to the regular published rates. Such special contracts shall be in writing and signed by proper city officials and the customer to be served. (Ord. 1977 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1853 § 2 (Exh. A), 2018; Ord. 1533 § 1, 2005; Ord. 240 Art. 5 § 8, 1958. Formerly 13.20.080)

3.91.090 Unusual customer requirements.

When a customer’s requirements for water are unusual or large or necessitate considerable special or reserve equipment or special consideration, the city may require a contract for the extended period and may also require the person or customer to furnish security satisfactory to the city to protect the city against loss and guarantee of the performance of the provisions of the contract. (Ord. 1977 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1853 § 2 (Exh. A), 2018; Ord. 1533 § 1, 2005; Ord. 240 Art. 5 § 9, 1958. Formerly 13.20.090)

3.91.100 City liability.

The city shall pay to the water department from the current expense fund the following amounts:

(1) For all water used in public buildings, parks and cemeteries, an amount figured at regular rates for each service installed. (Ord. 1977 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1853 § 2 (Exh. A), 2018; Ord. 1533 § 1, 2005; Ord. 892, 1987; Ord. 240 Art. 5 § 10, 1958. Formerly 13.20.100)

3.91.120 Chargeable to premises supplied – Lien.

All charges for furnishing water within or without the corporate limits of the city shall be chargeable to the premises where water is supplied, and all charges for water connections and service provided in this chapter, or as it may be hereafter amended, together with penalties and interest thereon shall be a lien upon the property with which such connections are made or to which domestic water service is rendered, superior to all other liens and encumbrances whatsoever, except for general taxes and local special assessments. Enforcement of such lien or liens shall be in the manner provided by law. (Ord. 1977 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1853 § 2 (Exh. A), 2018; Ord. 1533 § 1, 2005; Ord. 1344 § 2, 1999; Ord. 240 Art. 5 § 12, 1958. Formerly 13.20.120)

3.91.125 Billing date.

Billings for water, sewer and refuse will usually be mailed on the last business day of each month. A payment is considered made when it is receipted by a cashier during business hours at the payment office in City Hall. Should the last day of a month fall on a weekend or holiday, the delinquency and/or cutoff date will be the next business day after that weekend or holiday. The city will provide a drop box for payments after hours. Payments made by drop box may not be considered paid until the following business day. (Ord. 1977 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1853 § 2 (Exh. A), 2018; Ord. 1533 § 1, 2005; Ord. 1344 § 2, 1999. Formerly 13.20.125)

3.91.130 Payment delinquency – Service cut off.

As an additional and concurrent method of enforcing the lien of the city for domestic water charges, the superintendent is authorized to terminate service between the fifteenth and twentieth of the month after the date of the first delinquency. All charges together with the additional sum of $20.00 if turned on during business hours and $50.00 if turned on after business hours must be paid prior to turn-on. If termination of service does not occur on the above dates, we reserve the right to still do so at a later time if payment is still outstanding. Payment arrangements may be made at the discretion of the finance director or his designee; provided, that any arranged payments missed will result in immediate shut-off. Returned payments will be treated as a missed payment.

Partial payments shall be posted as follows: miscellaneous, stormwater, sewer and water. (Ord. 1977 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1853 § 2 (Exh. A), 2018; Ord. 1533 § 1, 2005; Ord. 1412 § 1 (Exh. A), 2001; Ord. 1344 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1140 § 1, 1994; Ord. 1133 § 1 (Exh. A), 1994; Ord. 853 § 2, 1985; Ord. 646 § 1, 1977; Ord. 583 § 1, 1976; Ord. 240 Art. 5 § 13, 1958. Formerly 13.20.130)

3.91.134 Rental properties.

Repealed by Ord. 1633. (Ord. 1533 § 1, 2005; Ord. 1344 § 2, 1999. Formerly 13.20.134)

3.91.135 Responsibility of property owner.

All accounts of water, sewer and stormwater shall be kept in the name of the legal owner of record of the property and not in the name of the tenant; the owner of the property or the authorized agent shall be responsible for all utility charges. Utility bills will be sent to the address where services are provided unless owner or owner’s legally authorized agent specifies in writing a different address for billing purposes. All accounts that are not in the name (for all uses in this section) of the legal owner or authorized agent at the time of passage of the ordinance codified in this section shall have until June 30, 2010, to comply with the provisions of this section. (Ord. 1977 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1853 § 2 (Exh. A), 2018; Ord. 1633 § 1 (Exh. A), 2009)

3.91.138 Sale of property.

When the sale of the real property occurs, it is the responsibility of the purchaser to contact the City Hall billing office and to make arrangements for water, sewer and stormwater service. It is not the responsibility of the city to enforce payment of any billing which was against the property at the time of the sale against the seller. The billing and any liens against the property will remain against the property. The city will take no action to enforce payment of billings due at the sale date against the seller. (Ord. 1977 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1853 § 2 (Exh. A), 2018; Ord. 1533 § 1, 2005; Ord. 1344 § 2, 1999. Formerly 13.20.138)

3.91.140 Meter removal, inspection.

Should at any time a customer receiving water service through one of the water department’s meters request in writing to the water department that the meter be removed and checked for accuracy, such service will be performed for a charge of $10.00. Should the meter on checking be found to be delivering the amount equal to or greater than that recorded by the meter, the consumer so requesting the service shall become liable for the charge. (Ord. 1977 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1853 § 2 (Exh. A), 2018; Ord. 1533 § 1, 2005; Ord. 240 Art. 5 § 14, 1958. Formerly 13.20.140)

3.91.150 Water, sewer and stormwater bill – Prepaid.

As water, sewer and stormwater are billed on a common bill and paid through the same office, the city shall not accept nor receive prepaid water charges except when the customer will also and does prepay their sewer and stormwater bill for the same length of time as they prepay the water bill. Prepaid water, sewer and stormwater collections will not be refunded to the customer. (Ord. 1977 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1853 § 2 (Exh. A), 2018; Ord. 1533 § 1, 2005; Ord. 1344 § 2, 1999; Ord. 240 Art. 5 § 15, 1958. Formerly 13.20.150)

3.91.170 Application of remittances.

All remittances received in payment of accounts shall be applied to payment of the month or months furthest in arrears for the property chargeable and for which property the payment is received. Remittances shall first be applied in the following order: miscellaneous charges, stormwater, sewer and water. Provided, however, where the city is eligible for relief funds due to a pandemic or other emergency, the city manager may order funds to be applied in the city manager’s discretion to provide the greatest relief to customers impacted by the emergency. (Ord. 1977 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1960 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 1853 § 2 (Exh. A), 2018; Ord. 1533 § 1, 2005; Ord. 1344 § 2, 1999; Ord. 240 Art. 5 § 17, 1958. Formerly 13.20.170)

3.91.190 System development charge.

(1) System Development Charge.

Meter Size	MCE	Charge
3/4"	1.00	$4,418.00
1"	1.67	$7,378.06
1.5"	3.33	$14,711.94
2"	5.33	$23,547.94
3"	10.00	$44,180.00
4"	16.67	$73,648.06
6"	33.33	$147,251.94
8"	53.33	$235,611.94

Charges shown represent minimum system development charges. System development charges for each of these service types will be reviewed by the director of public works to calculate supplemental fees, if any. Supplemental fees are used when sewage generation within the service type is found to be beyond expected standards. All supplemental fees require city council approval.

(2) A system development charge shall be paid for each service line based on meter size. (Ord. 1977 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1853 § 2 (Exh. A), 2018; Ord. 1572 § 1, 2006; Ord. 1533 § 1, 2005; Ord. 1276 § 1 (Exh. A), 1998; Ord. 1226 § 1 (Exh. A), 1997; Ord. 1157 § 1, 1995; Ord. 1104 § 1 (Exh. A), 1993; Ord. 621 § 1, 1977. Formerly 13.20.190)

3.91.200 System development charge refunds.

In the event the city receives system development charges due to mistake, error or misunderstanding, the same may be refunded only by council action. (Ord. 1977 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1853 § 2 (Exh. A), 2018; Ord. 1533 § 1, 2005; Ord. 686 § 1, 1978. Formerly 13.20.200)

3.91.210 Charges for replacement of a structure.

When another structure or new residence unit or multifamily or commercial structure is placed on the property and water charges have already been paid for on a single unit, then the charges for the replacement unit shall be controlled by WMC 3.92.120. (Ord. 1977 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1853 § 2 (Exh. A), 2018; Ord. 1533 § 1, 2005; Ord. 761 § 1, 1980. Formerly 13.20.210)

3.91.220 Water service modifications.

Any water service modifications requested by a property owner shall be billed by the city on a time and material basis with a minimum charge of $250.00. (Ord. 1977 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 1853 § 2 (Exh. A), 2018; Ord. 1656 § 1 (Exh. A), 2010)